Infliximab for the therapy of chronic sarcoidosis

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory multiorgan disease in which the lungs are the most commonly affected. It can also involve the skin, lupus pernio being a common form of chronic cutaneous sarcoidosis. The histopathologically specific lesion is represented by non-caseating granulomas occurring in the involved organs, with TNF-α playing a role in granuloma generation. Several therapies are available, with corticosteroids representing the conventional therapy given as topic or systemic formulations. Anti-TNF-α therapies (such as etanercept or infliximab) have been assessed so far, the latter most commonly in refractory sarcoidosis. The discussed study evaluates the safety and efficacy of infliximab in chronic sarcoidosis with pulmonary manifestations.

Keywords::

• infliximab
• lungs
• lupus pernio
• sarcoidosis

Disclosure

S Antoniu has spoken for GlaxoSmithKline Italy and has received congress sponsorships from AstraZeneca.